Entering Tuesday, it was a widely-reported Henderson had to make his ruling before 4 p.m. Eastern, the close of business on the first day of the league week. If Henderson had not made his decision by then, Elliott would reportedly be eligible to play against the Giants, no matter the outcome of either the appeal or the injunction filing.

While #Cowboys believe Harold Henderson must rule by 4 p.m. today or Ezekiel Elliott plays Sunday, league source says there is no deadline.

Pro Football Talk reported the NFL "caved" on the deadline/no deadline matter when pressed by the NFLPA, but other reports (like the ones above) suggested the NFL felt it was the fair move given how the situation had progressed, and had nothing to do with a deadline the league maintains doesn't exist, and never did.

The league then came over the top and explained everything officially.